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How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerJesus Christ, speaking in Matthew 5:17, declares that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. The Greek word for fulfill, pleroo, means to make full, to complete, or to bring into effect. In this context, He is not signaling an end or abolition of the law, as He contrasts fulfill with abolish, a strong verb meaning to destroy or demolish. He emphasizes in verse 18 that not even the smallest part of the law will pass away until all is accomplished, indicating that only a monumental event like the creation of a New Heaven and New Earth could suffice to end the law. His earthly ministry, death, and resurrection, while profoundly significant, do not abolish God's law. Further insight comes from Romans 10:4, where Christ is described as the culmination, goal, or object of the law. The Greek word telos, translated as end in some versions, more accurately means result or intended aim. Christ is the ultimate intent of the law, pointing toward Him and describing His character. Neither Matthew 5:17 nor Romans 10:4 suggests that He finished off or rendered the law ineffective. Instead, through His teaching of both the letter and spirit of the law, He completes its purpose, filling up what was incomplete in human understanding. Additionally, in Romans 3:31, the apostle Paul rejects the notion that faith destroys the law. He asserts that faith causes believers to be what the law truly wants, showing that law and faith work collaboratively, not in opposition. Thus, Christ, as the fulfillment of the law, enables obedience to it in both letter and spirit, embedding God's character in those who follow Him.
Does Jesus Recognize Today's Christianity?
'Ready Answer' by Craig SablichJesus Christ, in fulfilling the law, teaches that love is the foundation and support of God's law. God's law is not merely a set of rules but a complete package reflecting His character, guiding us to live in harmony with Him and each other. Our Savior lived this love, as He declares in John 15:13-14, that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends, and that friendship with Him is built on obedience to His commands. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate love and obedience to the Father by sacrificing Himself for His friends, showing that godly love fulfills the law through devotion to God and fellow man. When He returns, Jesus will not look for denominational labels but will recognize those who are His friends, those who have built a relationship with Him on His terms. These terms include obedience to all His commandments, worshipping the Father according to His instructions, and living a way of life rooted in love for God and others. He recognizes love not by what we think it should be, but by His people doing what He has commanded through His Word and example. To be part of the congregation He accepts upon His return, we must follow His lead in both profession and deed.
Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, emphasizing the importance of both the letter and the spirit of the Law. He declared that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law until all is fulfilled. He taught that whoever breaks even the least of the commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever keeps and teaches them will be called great. He urged His followers to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven, pointing to a deeper understanding beyond mere adherence to the written code. In His teachings, Jesus highlighted the spirit of the Law, as seen when He healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, affirming that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. He understood the divine purpose behind the Sabbath as a blessing for rest and drawing close to God, showing that acts of mercy and healing align with the Law's intent. Through such actions, He demonstrated that recognizing the spirit of the Law brings freedom and blessing to those in need. Jesus also embodied the essence of the Law through love, teaching that loving one's neighbor fulfills the commandments. He criticized the Pharisees for focusing on minor details while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith, urging that both aspects of the Law should be upheld. His divine commission was to magnify the Law, revealing its deeper intent beyond superficial rituals, and to show that true obedience involves a transformation of the heart, enabled by the Spirit, which gives life where the letter alone cannot.
God's Law Is Eternal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ, in His ministry, affirmed the enduring nature of God's law, declaring that He did not come to abolish it but to fulfill it. As stated in Matthew 5:17, He emphasized, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." His purpose was to bring out the true meaning of the law, showing how it should be kept in both letter and spirit. He confirmed its permanence in Matthew 5:18, saying, "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." This underscores that not even the smallest part of the law will be altered until all is accomplished. Jesus elaborated on the law's deeper spiritual character, revealing that it extends beyond mere actions to thoughts and desires. In Matthew 5:27-28, He taught, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Through such teachings, He demonstrated that the law governs the inner self, not just outward behavior, thereby affirming its comprehensive authority rather than diminishing it. He also clarified misunderstandings about the law, particularly regarding the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:5-8, He explained that acts of mercy and necessity are lawful on the Sabbath, stating, "For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." By performing miracles on the Sabbath, He showed that the day was made for man's benefit, to honor God and bless others, thus reinforcing the law's true intent without changing its essence. Jesus summarized the law's essence in Matthew 22:36-40, teaching that all commandments hinge on loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself. This did not lessen the law's demands but highlighted its foundational principles of love and reverence, showing that true obedience encompasses the whole of one's being. In His life, Jesus embodied perfect obedience to the law, living in complete conformity to God's will. His actions and nature reflected the law's undiminished grandeur, as seen in Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." Even in facing death, He upheld the law by bearing its penalty for humanity's sins, as noted in Galatians 3:13, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us." Through His sacrifice, He fulfilled the law's righteous demands, ensuring its honor without compromise. Addressing misconceptions, Jesus clarified in Luke 16:17 that the law remains intact, stating, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail." His reference in Luke 16:16 to the law and prophets being until John signifies the shift to preaching the kingdom of God, not the abolition of the law. He consistently upheld its eternal validity, guiding His followers to live by it through faith, as reinforced in Romans 3:31, "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law." Thus, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law by living it perfectly, explaining its depth, and bearing its penalty, ensuring its perpetual relevance for all who seek to follow Him.
'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.
Powers of Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter His resurrection, Jesus Christ commissioned His disciples, reminding them of His limitless power to help them in their work.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe gospels show Jesus observing the Passover at the beginning of the 14th. Should we use the time when He observed it or the time He died as our guide?
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
In Honor of the Father
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloFather's Day is a time to not only honor our physical fathers, but also our Heavenly Father who established the family and the sanctity of marriage.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
The Promises of God
Sermon by John O. ReidIn this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.
Do We Need the Old Testament?
'Ready Answer' by John ReissHere are five significant reasons why Christians should consider the Old Testament to be just as valuable and necessary to their salvation as the New.
Hitting the Mark
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne definition of sin is 'missing the mark,' as hamartia denotes. Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we have failed to reach our goal.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
He Came to Reintroduce a Way of Life
Sermonette by Craig SablichJesus Christ did not come to start a new religion, but instead reintroduce a way of life that would liberate people from sin.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.